Open Letter from La. Filmmakers and Film Service Providers Urges Continued Support

As multiple sources write and call in, it appears that LIFT has laid off its staff in light of the recent FBI probe into the company's alleged misdealings. Please read an open letter written by one of LIFT's primary competitors urging for continued support of the Louisiana film industry.

Lampton Enochs: Film industry has flourished in Louisiana, needs
continued supporPosted June 6, 2007 on a Yahoo Louisiana Film Blog

In 2002, the Louisiana legislature had the foresight to pass the country's first incentive package for the film industry. There are now 46 states that offer film industry incentives.

Because we were the first, our state has benefited from unprecedented growth in film industry jobs and associated economic impact. Even the most conservative financial analysts recognize that film industry contributions to our state far outweigh the incentives offered.

Louisiana is currently ranked only behind California and New York in volume of film production.

Since Katrina, northwest Louisiana has captured an ever-increasing amount of this state's film production. This year alone, northwest Louisiana has boasted a dozen film projects with total budgets in excess of $100 million. We are benefiting from an explosive growth in local spending and hiring. In a very short period, this area has become one of the most successful film industry hubs in the country.

Unfortunately, recent allegations out of New Orleans about abuse of the incentive program threaten to undermine the tremendous strides our state has made. The perception that the program is flawed could damage the industry's reputation both here and in California.

On a positive note, legislation passed in 2005 included provisions for oversight of the program through independent audits of each certified production. Current legislation proposes similar rules and regulations for the Infrastructure Tax Credit. Such laws are helping the industry
grow stronger and better so we can benefit Louisiana for decades to come. We must keep in mind the many studios, production companies and individuals working with diligence and integrity to help build this dynamic industry.

But we can't do this without your support. We hope the citizens of northwest Louisiana will continue to recognize the positive economic impact of the film industry on this area.

We ask that you contact your legislators, especially during this current legislative session, and urge their continued support of the incentive program. Otherwise, and especially with the increasing competition from other states, we stand to lose an enormous economic opportunity.

Lampton Enochs, of Shreveport, is with Louisiana Production Consultants. Also signing this letter are Alissa Kantrow, of Louisiana Production Consultants; Gary Strangis, of TurnKey Louisiana; Mick Flannigan, of Millennium Films; Teri McGuire, of Stage West, and Michael Moorhead and Stanley Pearse, of StageWorks of Louisiana.